When looking at a basement conversion, you must think firstly that each project is different.

In some cases, creating a space underneath the existing building is the only way to increase the usable square footage of the building. This is one of the reasons why basement conversions are so popular in central London, where opportunities for above-ground alterations are minimal.

Besides adding usable space to your home, a basement conversion can help to significantly increase the value of your house.

Depending on the area, factors like access, available headroom, and the potential for natural light can significantly affect the value per square metre of a basement conversion.

In some areas, there is considered to be a ‘ceiling’ value for property prices. No matter how beautifully converted your basement, is hard to surpass.

It can be worth consulting a local estate agent for their opinion before making hard and fast decisions regarding the nature of the basement development to undertake. Some property experts suggests that the right basement in the right area can add up to 20% to the property market value.

Factors affecting cost

A basement conversion will always work out cheaper if there is no excavation required – either to create the underground space from scratch or increase the headroom in an existing basement. Difficulties with excavation can include:

  • concrete oversite slabs at the ground floor
  • sewer and drain diversion
  • difficult ground conditions, e.g. rock, clay, sand, peat, marsh
  • a high water table
  • access for removing excavated materials

Costs for basement work can vary significantly depending on the jobs to be undertaken

An idea of the costs involved:

  • Conversion of an existing cellar: £750 – £1,400 per square metre
  • Lowering the floor level and underpinning an existing cellar: £1,500 – £2,000 per square metre
  • Digging a new basement space and underpinning: £2,000 – £3,000 per square metre
  • Digging a new basement space underneath a garden: £1,500 – £2,000 per square metre
  • Creating a lightwell / external access: £5,000 – £7,500
  • Engineer’s fees: £1,000 – £1,500
  • Planning application, if required: £165
  • Building Regulations application: £750+ depending on the value of the work undertaken
  • Party wall agreements, if required: £700 per neighbour
  • VAT: an additional 20% added by VAT-registered contractors

Before you embark on your basement project ensure you take all of these factors into consideration to make your investment worthwhile.

By Basement Waterproofing Association

LABS are Gold Members of the Basement Waterproofing Association

For any further information, contact LABS under contact https://l-a-b-s.co.uk/contact/